Concert Season 2025 - 2026
Every concert begins at 7.30pm at The Fratry, Carlisle Cathedral
25th September 2025 ~ Dida Condria, piano
Romanian/Irish pianist Dida Condria’s musical journey started at the age of six at the RIAM Junior Academy, laying a solid foundation fostering her growth into a versatile and accomplished musician. She delights in playing chamber music. A multiple 1st prize winner internationally, Dida has performed in
prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall and the National Concert Hall of Ireland.
prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall and the National Concert Hall of Ireland.
Programme:
Beethoven: Sonata No. 31 in A flat, Op. 110
Sibelius: Impromptu, Op. 5, No. 5
Prokofiev: Sonata No 7. in B flat
Rachmaninoff: Études-Tableaux, Op.39, Nos. 1, 7, 8 and 9
Bach/Busoni: Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV639
Chopin : Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58
Beethoven: Sonata No. 31 in A flat, Op. 110
Sibelius: Impromptu, Op. 5, No. 5
Prokofiev: Sonata No 7. in B flat
Rachmaninoff: Études-Tableaux, Op.39, Nos. 1, 7, 8 and 9
Bach/Busoni: Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV639
Chopin : Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58
16th October 2025 ~ The Lark Piano Trio
In May 2024 the Lark Piano Trio were awarded first prize at the Cavatina intercollegiate Chamber Music Competition where they made their debut at Wigmore Hall, London. The trio also won the prestigious Governor’s Chamber Prize which resulted in engagements in venues across Scotland. They
have a passion for unearthing hidden treasures of living composers and female composers.
have a passion for unearthing hidden treasures of living composers and female composers.
Programme:
Haydn - Piano Trio in E-flat Major HV. 29
Rebecca Clarke - Piano Trio
Marie Dare - Piano Trio in F
Mendelssohn - Piano Trio No. 2 in C Minor
Haydn - Piano Trio in E-flat Major HV. 29
Rebecca Clarke - Piano Trio
Marie Dare - Piano Trio in F
Mendelssohn - Piano Trio No. 2 in C Minor
The November concert (Strahinja Mitrović, double bass and Salome Jordania, piano) has been re-booked for 5th March 2026. Scroll to March below.
22nd January 2026 ~ Armand Djikoloum, oboe and Iyad Sughayer, piano
Armand Djikoloum is becoming one of the most exciting oboists of his generation. A former Young Classical Artists Trust artist, he was recently appointed Principal Oboe of the Hannover Staatsoper. His playing is praised for its ‘vocal’ quality and extraordinary range of colours. Born in France, Armand studied at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Lyon. His rise to international prominence followed his success at the 2021 Barbirolli International Oboe Competition, where he won the prize for best performance of a contemporary work. He’s appeared as soloist with major orchestras including the Dresden Philharmonic and Frankfurt Radio Symphony. In addition to orchestral work, Armand is a champion of underrepresented repertoire, frequently bringing forgotten Romantic works to light. His recordings have been noted for technical fluidity and a rare, shimmering tone that’s seen him featured as a rising star in BBC Music Magazine.
Iyad Sughayer is a Jordanian-Palestinian pianist whose playing has been described by Gramophone as having ‘exhilarating verve and marvellous sensitivity.’ An Associate of the Royal Northern College of Music and a former City Music Foundation Artist, Iyad has caught the attention of the
classical world through his acclaimed recordings for BIS Records. His debut album, featuring works of Khachaturian, was met with critical acclaim, establishing him as an authority on the composer’s piano music. Iyad has performed as soloist with the BBC Philharmonic and European Union Chamber Orchestra and is a frequent collaborator at international festivals. Iyad’s second solo album, In the Shadows, received a five-star review for its ‘impeccable voicing’ and ‘profoundly poetic’ interpretations.
Together, Armand and Iyad form a partnership of exceptional synergy and lyrical storytelling.
Iyad Sughayer is a Jordanian-Palestinian pianist whose playing has been described by Gramophone as having ‘exhilarating verve and marvellous sensitivity.’ An Associate of the Royal Northern College of Music and a former City Music Foundation Artist, Iyad has caught the attention of the
classical world through his acclaimed recordings for BIS Records. His debut album, featuring works of Khachaturian, was met with critical acclaim, establishing him as an authority on the composer’s piano music. Iyad has performed as soloist with the BBC Philharmonic and European Union Chamber Orchestra and is a frequent collaborator at international festivals. Iyad’s second solo album, In the Shadows, received a five-star review for its ‘impeccable voicing’ and ‘profoundly poetic’ interpretations.
Together, Armand and Iyad form a partnership of exceptional synergy and lyrical storytelling.
Programme:
R. Schumann - Lieder und Gesänge, Book 4, Op. 96 No. 3
R. Schumann - 12 Gedichte, Op. 35 No. 10
J. Kinkel - Die Lorelei, Op 7 No. 4
C. Schumann - Romance
C. Schumann - Lieder, Op. 12 'Warum willst du and're fragen?'
C. Schumann - Lieder, Op. 13 No. 6 'Die stille Lotosblume'
Felix Mendelssohn - Songs Without Words, Op. 19 Nos. 1, 2, 4 and Op. 62 No. 2
F. Price - Adoration
J. W. Kalliwoda - Morceau de Salon
Interval
A. Khachaturian - Gayaneh Lullaby (piano solo)
A. Khachaturian - Spartacus Adagio (piano solo)
F. Poulenc - Sonata for oboe and piano
L. Boulanger - Nocturne
C. Saint-Saens - Sonata for oboe and piano
R. Schumann - Lieder und Gesänge, Book 4, Op. 96 No. 3
R. Schumann - 12 Gedichte, Op. 35 No. 10
J. Kinkel - Die Lorelei, Op 7 No. 4
C. Schumann - Romance
C. Schumann - Lieder, Op. 12 'Warum willst du and're fragen?'
C. Schumann - Lieder, Op. 13 No. 6 'Die stille Lotosblume'
Felix Mendelssohn - Songs Without Words, Op. 19 Nos. 1, 2, 4 and Op. 62 No. 2
F. Price - Adoration
J. W. Kalliwoda - Morceau de Salon
Interval
A. Khachaturian - Gayaneh Lullaby (piano solo)
A. Khachaturian - Spartacus Adagio (piano solo)
F. Poulenc - Sonata for oboe and piano
L. Boulanger - Nocturne
C. Saint-Saens - Sonata for oboe and piano
19th February 2026 ~ The Fibonacci Quartet
The Fibonacci Quartet is rapidly establishing itself as one of Europe's leading young ensembles. Based in London, the quartet is currently a Resident Ensemble at the Royal Academy of Music and has garnered international acclaim for their "compelling interpretations" and "technical perfection." Their name, inspired by the mathematical sequence found in nature and art, reflects their commitment to the organic balance and structural beauty of the chamber music repertoire.
The quartet has enjoyed a meteoric rise, winning First Prize at the 2023 Cavatina Intercollegiate Chamber Music Competition and the prestigious Royal Overseas League Chamber Music Competition. They are also YCAT (Young Classical Artists Trust) artists and have been supported by the Dutch String Quartet Academy. Their international presence has grown through performances at major venues such as the Wigmore Hall and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, as well as festivals across Italy, France, and Germany.
Individually, the members of the Fibonacci Quartet are highly accomplished soloists, yet it is their shared musical language and meticulous attention to detail that defines their collective sound. They are known for their adventurous programming, often pairing core classical works with contemporary discoveries. As part of their residency at the Royal Academy of Music, they frequently collaborate with living composers, bringing a fresh, modern perspective to the stage. Their performance tonight represents a wonderful opportunity to hear a quartet at the very forefront of the new generation of chamber musicians.
The quartet has enjoyed a meteoric rise, winning First Prize at the 2023 Cavatina Intercollegiate Chamber Music Competition and the prestigious Royal Overseas League Chamber Music Competition. They are also YCAT (Young Classical Artists Trust) artists and have been supported by the Dutch String Quartet Academy. Their international presence has grown through performances at major venues such as the Wigmore Hall and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, as well as festivals across Italy, France, and Germany.
Individually, the members of the Fibonacci Quartet are highly accomplished soloists, yet it is their shared musical language and meticulous attention to detail that defines their collective sound. They are known for their adventurous programming, often pairing core classical works with contemporary discoveries. As part of their residency at the Royal Academy of Music, they frequently collaborate with living composers, bringing a fresh, modern perspective to the stage. Their performance tonight represents a wonderful opportunity to hear a quartet at the very forefront of the new generation of chamber musicians.
Programme:
Beethoven - String Quartet No.1 in F Major, Op.18 No.1
Debussy - String Quartet in G Minor
Schumann - String Quartet, No.3 in A Major
Beethoven - String Quartet No.1 in F Major, Op.18 No.1
Debussy - String Quartet in G Minor
Schumann - String Quartet, No.3 in A Major
5th March 2026
Strahinja Mitrović, double bass and Roxanna Shini Mehrabzadeh, piano
Strahinja Mitrović, double bass and Roxanna Shini Mehrabzadeh, piano
Strahinja Mitrović
Serbian double bassist Strahinja Mitrović is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most exciting string soloists of his generation. In 2024, he achieved one of the highest honours in the musical world by winning the prestigious Gold Medal at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama—a prize historically reserved for the most elite soloists.
His playing is celebrated for its rare combination of physical power and lyrical sensitivity, successfully challenging the traditional boundaries of the double bass as a solo instrument. Strahinja has already performed extensively on the international stage, appearing at many of Europe’s most renowned concert halls. His repertoire spans from the technical fireworks of Bottesini to the profound, song-like works of the Romantic era. As a chamber musician and soloist, he continues to garner acclaim for his "unfiltered" musicality and his ability to bring a "virtuosic, violin-like agility" to the largest member of the string family.
Roxanna Shini Mehrabzadeh
British-Iranian pianist Roxanna Shini Mehrabzadeh is a multifaceted artist whose work spans performance, composition, and curation. A graduate of the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, she completed her postgraduate studies with Distinction before being appointed as a Junior Fellow in Piano Accompaniment.
Roxanna’s career has taken her to the UK’s most celebrated stages, including Wigmore Hall, St John’s Smith Square, and Steinway Hall, where her playing has been praised for its "exquisite taste and poetic refinement." A formidable competition winner, she has taken top prizes at the John Longmire Beethoven and Alfred Kitchin Chopin competitions, with juries highlighting her "orchestral sonorities." Beyond her mastery of the classical canon, Roxanna is a dedicated champion of contemporary music; her work in developing and commissioning Persian contemporary scores in the diaspora has made her a unique and vital voice in the modern piano world.
This concert is supported by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust
Serbian double bassist Strahinja Mitrović is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most exciting string soloists of his generation. In 2024, he achieved one of the highest honours in the musical world by winning the prestigious Gold Medal at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama—a prize historically reserved for the most elite soloists.
His playing is celebrated for its rare combination of physical power and lyrical sensitivity, successfully challenging the traditional boundaries of the double bass as a solo instrument. Strahinja has already performed extensively on the international stage, appearing at many of Europe’s most renowned concert halls. His repertoire spans from the technical fireworks of Bottesini to the profound, song-like works of the Romantic era. As a chamber musician and soloist, he continues to garner acclaim for his "unfiltered" musicality and his ability to bring a "virtuosic, violin-like agility" to the largest member of the string family.
Roxanna Shini Mehrabzadeh
British-Iranian pianist Roxanna Shini Mehrabzadeh is a multifaceted artist whose work spans performance, composition, and curation. A graduate of the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, she completed her postgraduate studies with Distinction before being appointed as a Junior Fellow in Piano Accompaniment.
Roxanna’s career has taken her to the UK’s most celebrated stages, including Wigmore Hall, St John’s Smith Square, and Steinway Hall, where her playing has been praised for its "exquisite taste and poetic refinement." A formidable competition winner, she has taken top prizes at the John Longmire Beethoven and Alfred Kitchin Chopin competitions, with juries highlighting her "orchestral sonorities." Beyond her mastery of the classical canon, Roxanna is a dedicated champion of contemporary music; her work in developing and commissioning Persian contemporary scores in the diaspora has made her a unique and vital voice in the modern piano world.
This concert is supported by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust
Programme:
Henry Eccles - Sonata in G Minor
Reinhold Glière - 4 pieces for Double Bass and Piano
Gabriel Fauré - Romance arr. for Double Bass and Piano
Lowell Liebermann - Sonata for Double Bass and Piano
Giovanni Bottesini - Fantasia - “Lucia di Lammermoor”
Henry Eccles - Sonata in G Minor
Reinhold Glière - 4 pieces for Double Bass and Piano
Gabriel Fauré - Romance arr. for Double Bass and Piano
Lowell Liebermann - Sonata for Double Bass and Piano
Giovanni Bottesini - Fantasia - “Lucia di Lammermoor”
26th March 2026 ~ Kammerphilharmonie Europa
Kammerphilharmonie Europa (The Chamber Philharmonic Europe) was founded in 2006 in Cologne and engages talented musicians from 18 European nations.
Its outstanding high artistic level has been confirmed by many concerts and festivals which the orchestra played throughout the continent, as well as by press and critics.
Its outstanding high artistic level has been confirmed by many concerts and festivals which the orchestra played throughout the continent, as well as by press and critics.
Programme:
A. Corelli - Concerto Grosso, Op. 6 No. 4 in D Major
S. Rachmaninoff - Vocalise
G. Holst - Suite for String Orchestra, Op.29 Nr.2, 'Saint Paul’s Suite'
J. S. Bach - Violin Concerto in E Major, BWV 1042
G. Fauré - Pavane, Op. 50
W. A. Mozart - Divertimento D Major, KV 136
A. Corelli - Concerto Grosso, Op. 6 No. 4 in D Major
S. Rachmaninoff - Vocalise
G. Holst - Suite for String Orchestra, Op.29 Nr.2, 'Saint Paul’s Suite'
J. S. Bach - Violin Concerto in E Major, BWV 1042
G. Fauré - Pavane, Op. 50
W. A. Mozart - Divertimento D Major, KV 136
